What a Crazy Weekend!

Placerville, CA
Storm Valley Ranch


Tina and I had planned to go out on a hike when she mentioned she had heard of a nearby waterfall that neither of us had known about and suggested we check it out. 

It was outside of Coloma (where gold was discovered).  We've spent so much time here over the years I couldn't believe neither of us knew about it.  We parked by the river and walked about one mile to the trailhead.  The overall hike to the Upper Dutch Creek Falls and back is about 5 miles.

We couldn't have picked a better time as the snow melt and warm, sunny days has the creeks and rivers flowing heavily.  California's State Poppies are turning the hillsides orange.

The entrance to a pretty little winery.

Here is the entrance to the unmaintained trailhead.

Mt. Murphy in the distance.

 

More pictures of Mt. Murphy as the trail leads us up a bit and around it.

There were a few downed trees along the way.  Unmaintained means no trail clearing.  There are many areas where you have to duck and maneuver around the poison oak.  While there were no rattlesnakes out this trip you do have to watch for them and ticks.  I don't know why, but at lower elevations around the US there seems to be more and more tick warnings.  We did have to brush a few off along the way.  Erosion is also a problem on one steep section of trail, so be careful as it is somewhat hidden in thick grass.

The trail follows the creek most of the time.  It is nice to hear it as you hike along.  There are several other small cascades and falls.

 

 

All the bright green of new leaves on trees, ferns and moss were just beautiful.

This cute little Blue Belly lizard was taking a little siesta.

Here we are at the Lower Dutch Creek Falls.  They were just beautiful and roaring with water.  Too bad we did not know there was an Upper Falls too! (there is a later blogpost about the Upper Falls).

So loud! (sorry Lee for the format!)

We took a few pictures and explored around. 

Other than a couple that left as we got there, we didn't see anyone until we were leaving.

 Opposite the falls is a large boulder that we climbed up on to and had a snack and just soaked in the sunshine and listened to the falls.

A colorful pool.

 

What a great spot!  Like a built-in couch.  A rock couch, but quite comfy.

 

A picture of the vultures flying above the steep hillsides with a bit of crescent moon out.

It was a great hike and we followed it up with lunch at the Argonaut Farm to Fork Café in Historic Coloma. We usually order one of the delicious sandwiches that comes with a salad and there is more than enough to split.  Everything is farmed locally and so delicious.  Another great hike Tina!

 

The next day Steve and I were up early for the 3 hour drive to San Jose to visit friends and family.  Ugg, we hate this drive.  Each year it just gets worse and worse as the population, and house prices, soar.  It no longer matters what time you leave (mid day, midnight, etc) it will take HOURS!  There is always traffic and you're bound to hit a car accident or two or five!

We had dinner with our brother-in-law, Brian and a couple of great friends, Michael and Amy.  I specifically wanted to eat at El Burro.  It's a family owned Mexican restaurant that has been open for over 40 years in the same place.   Seems the upscale center it is in gave them their ticket to leave so they can subdivide their large space to make more money.  Of course!  Too bad as they are a community favorite with tons of charm and some really good food!  We sure hope they find another location and wish them well.

The funny and pathetic (but free) salad is actually very tasty.  I've never eaten that beet though!

Kind of funny I didn't get a picture of our group of the meal, just the salad!

 

Another fun surprise was a re-connection with an old friend I used to work with at Burger Pit.  That was when I was 18!  We lost contact of each other over the years but she found me through facebook.  She still lives in San Jose so we picked the next morning to have breakfast.  It was really great to catch up with Anita after all these years.

Anita and I.  It was just like the past 35+ years never happened.  Funny how that happens.  It was great to see you again Anita!

Well breakfast flew by and a few more hours talking at a local park I used to play at as a kid.  Then I had to buzz off to dinner with another friend, Chris.  We ate and waited for the rest of our trio to show up for after-dinner drinks.

Chris, Deb and I went to the somewhat new, Bass Pro Shop.  They have a large restaurant, bar and bowling alley inside!  The bar is huge and it is decorated with the usual Bass Pro shop décor.  It's a really fun place to stop at.  We talked for a few more hours then called it a night.

Here is the small bowling alley that looks like it's under water.  Really neat place to visit.

 Me, Chris and Deb.  Friends since high school. Cross Country Running teammates.

 

The next morning we were up early and doing a repeat of the 3+ hour drive home.  I had plans to do some fishing with my brother the next morning but cancelled.  I'm just not cut out for that back-to-back fun anymore!  Too crazy!  I need some extra sleep.

Later in the week I did a little geocaching at another nearby Pioneer Cemetery I had not been to before.  I walked around and read the markers.  I love old cemeteries and find them very interesting and peaceful.

 

 

I liked this marker for an old samurai from the Gold Rush days.  The Wakumatsu  Family were quite successful in this area.  They still have a large farm where they grown some of the best Mandarin Oranges.

 

Beautiful, intricate iron work surrounding this family plot.

I thought it was kind of funny that poison oak was growing out of the middle of the gate. The residents may be long dead, but I swear, this poison oak lives on forever!!

Purple Lilacs blooming all around.  This doe was enjoying the area as much as I was.

 

Next up some more hiking and FISHING!